ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the major features of the vitamin E deficiency neurologic syndrome. It also describes the major features of the vitamin E deficiency neurologic syndrome. The chapter proposes the possible use of vitamin E and antioxidants as nutritional and pharmacological agents in delaying the onset and management of these diseases. Interest in the role of antioxidants in neurological disease has recently expanded, however, vitamin E was linked directly to the function of the nervous system. Identical neurological findings have been described in homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia patients who fail to synthesize adequate amounts of apolipoprotein B and consequently malabsorb lipid and vitamin E. Cystic fibrosis is the most common lethal autosomal recessive disease among Caucasians. The pathogenesis of the disease is not understood. Genetic factors may be involved especially in familial cases. The focus has been on vitamin E due to its unique role as a biological antioxidant and its direct link to several neurodegenerative diseases.
